I recently got to check out the latest show from national-level ballet company, Charleston Ballet Theatre. As a finale to their 20th Anniversary celebrations they presented three oldies-but-goodies: Poetry with a Splash of Blood, Wings and Rite of Spring. The latter was powerful despite featuring male dancers ho looked like they were dressed in swimming caps and diapers.

Here's what the City Paper A&E editor John Stoehr had to say:

"Nick Smith, always up for seeing svelte dancers emerge from a pile of dirt (not kidding), enjoyed the show and sent us this review."

John sees right through me. I'm an ODB at heart.

See what I mean about the diapers?

Also in this week's City Paper: my review of the Little City Theatre Company's musical, Songs for a New World. I'm not a huge fan of musical theatre - I'm no Rent boy - but this collection of songs was well performed. I expect more good things soon from this brand new local company.

Also on the artsy front, my hard-rockin' pals at Chamber Music Charleston will perform Dvorak and Francaix at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 67 Anson Street, Charleston on April 13.

Like CBT, they're excellent at what they do and man, do they know how to have fun.

"COLD SOLDIERS" CASTING CALL

I'm about halfway through filming of my second movie, Cold Soldiers. Since it's a high-octane action thriller, I'm always looking for fresh actors to blow up or throw around. So I'll be holding a casting call for actors and background artists on Sunday, April 6 from 4-8 p.m. at the Production Hall on the Old Navy Base, North Charleston.

Although most of the lead parts have been filled for this indie feature, I'm planning future projects and would like to know who's out there so that I can tailor parts for them somewhere along the line.

In the meantime, I'm looking for talent to play minor or non-speaking parts in Cold Soldiers. Shooting commenced in November 2007 and we hope to wrap the production this summer.

For more information or dirrections to the Production Hall, leave me a comment or email me with a headshot, resume and height/weight/age at nicksmithproductions@hotmail.com

The behind-the-scenes photos from Cold Solders are by Trevor Erickson.

I'm the kind of guy who tries to please all the people all the time, which means I'm the kind of guy who usually ends up pretty miserable - unless I split those people into more than one group and give them each the attention they require. Then everything turns out okay.

This month I'll be running two acting courses: one for film/TV actors, and another for people with a penchant for the stage. Full details below.

ACTING FOR FILM & TV

The ONLY on-camera class offered in Charleston, SC by Nick Smith. This is ideal if you need to learn, polish, and maintain your on-camera skills. You will get a copy of the 'end result' for your audition reel.

Ages 8 and up who are ready to sit through the class. Classes held at the South of Broadway Theatre Company Studios.

Price $100.00 for pkg. of four classes: April 7, 14, 21 & 28, 4-6 p.m.

Visit the South of Broadway website for full details.

ACTING FOR THEATRE

Classes for beginning and intermediat-level actors who need to work on their stage acting skills. The course is held at the North Charleston Cultural and Civic Center Complex. It starts on April 14 and runs every Monday through May 19, 6.30-8 p.m.

Visit the North Charleston Cultural Arts website for more information and registration forms.

New Acting Course starts Feb. 4th

South of Broadway Theatre is a great little company based in the historic Old Village, North Charleston. It has gifted teachers from New York and LA. But it's also a kind of secret - not many people know that there's a theatre space on East Montague Avenue.

I'll be teaching a new class there from February 4th, specifically helping people with their on-camera acting. As far as I know, this will be the only regular film and TV course of its kind in this area. It's tailored to actors who need to learn, polish, or maintain their on-camera skills.

Visit the website below if you want to find out more about South of Broadway.

TIME: Mondays: 4-6 pm

DATES: February 4th, 11th, 18th & 25

WEBSITE: http://www.southofbroadway.com/